Tennis training device

ABSTRACT

A shaft having an upper end; a first horizontal arm fixedly attached to the upper end of the shaft and a second, semi-rigid, flexible side arm fixedly attached to the first horizontal arm such that the second semi-rigid, flexible side arm bendably extends beyond the terminating end of the first horizontal arm, with a slightly downward slope; and means for releasably attaching to the side of a tennis ball provided on the second, semi-rigid, flexible side arm, such that when the tennis ball is attached to the second semi-rigid, flexible side arm, its slightly downward slope and slight curve provides a visual perception that the tennis ball is traveling on its way down to the trainee, while simultaneously being held in a manner which allows the trainee&#39;s racquet to travel up on, through and over the tennis ball, thereby repeatedly and consistently placing the tennis ball within the racquet&#39;s sweet-spot, without impeding the trainee&#39;s stroke.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/131,284 filed on Mar. 11, 2015, and incorporated by reference in its entirety, as if more fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of Invention

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for use primarily in tennis training and improving one's tennis game. More particularly, the present invention relates to a “tennis serve” training device that is adjustable, mobile, and better able to provide a speedier feel of a tennis racquet's “sweet-spot.”

Prior Art

A serve (or more formally a service) in tennis is a shot, to start a point. A player will hit the ball with a racquet, over the tennis net, so that the ball will fall into the diagonally opposite backside box of the tennis court without hitting, or being blocked by, the net. Normally, players begin a serve by tossing the ball into the air and hitting it, usually near the highest point of the toss. The ball can only touch the top edge of the net on a return, and will be considered good only if it sails over the net and falls on the diagonally opposite backside box. If the ball contacts the upper edge of the net on the serve but then proceeds to the proper backside box, it is called a let. This is not a legal serve in the major tennis tours, although it is also not a fault. Players typically serve overhead, and serving underhand is rare. The serve is the only shot a player can take their time to set up, instead of having to react to an opponent's shot.

The serve is one of the more difficult shots in tennis. But once mastered, it can be a considerable advantage. Advanced players can hit the serve in many different ways and often use it as an offensive weapon to gain an advantage in the point or win it outright.

The process of properly making a tennis serve includes getting in position, gripping the ball and racket correctly, placing the racket in the proper position, tossing the ball in the air, and hitting the ball with the “sweet spot” of the racket. The “sweet spot” is not a single point or spot on racquet. Rather it is an area on the face of the racquet. The “sweet spot” area has an upper edge, a bottom edge and side edges, all edges distanced from the racquet's frame such that when the racquet comes in contact with the ball, during a serve, the racquet comes up on, through, curves over the back of the ball, and cause the ball to leave the racquet before the ball reaches the bottom edge of the “sweet-spot” area. If the ball is not hit with the “sweet spot” of the racquet, as for example if it is hit with the frame of the racket, the ball will result poorly and not land where it should. Further, to optimize the shot, the ball should be hit at the highest point possible, after it is tossed, with a full extension of the arm. The higher the ball, the higher its speed and the more likely that it will clear the net.

There are at least four different serves. In each of the serves, the ball has a different point of contact on the “sweet-spot” of the racket. All four points are within the “sweet-spot.” The four different serves can be achieved by leading with different edges of the racquet. But irrespective of the serve, or its corresponding point of ball contact within the “sweet-spot” of the racquet, the “sweet-spot” area of the racquet is always the same.

Many beginners toss the ball far too low, just over their heads, and then strain their whole bodies to get the ball to fall into the other service box. This is very unwieldy and does not produce the best results.

There are many practice techniques and devices available for teaching and practicing tennis serves. However, they have many drawbacks. For example, one drawback associated with these prior art devices, is their inability to provide an accurate follow-through experience, after the user has contacted the ball. Another drawback associated with the rope, string or other retainer-connected-directly-to-the-ball devices, is that the ball is vertically held in place from the top, i.e., relies purely on gravity to remain in position and moves in a direction dictated by the retainer, rather than in a true direction dictated by the impact provided by the user, after the user contacts the ball. Yet another drawback associated with such prior art training devices is the tendency of the retaining device, i.e., either a rope, string or similar object, to impede the user's stroke, because it holds the ball from the top. Suspending a tennis ball from a vertical string, such that at least one axis of the tennis ball is collinear with the longitudinal pathway of the vertical string (along a y-axis) and the point of attachment of the string to the ball, will prevent the racquet from moving over the ball to properly complete the serve. Still another drawback associated with prior art devices is that they are heavy, bulky training devices, which are not easily relocated from one position to another.

Finally, another drawback with prior art devices that use a rope/chain/string-like piece to hang a ball, is that they cause the ball to swing before being hit, thereby preventing the ball from being hit by the “sweet-spot” of the racquet. This can lead to an injury of the user or damage to objects in the surrounding area, which could be even more likely if the ball is projected after it is hit by the user. Most importantly however, is that all of the prior-art devices greatly prolong the time by which, a tennis player a) acquires the feel of a tennis racquet's “sweet-spot” on the tennis ball, and b) learns to hit the ball at its highest point; the two necessary elements for a proper serve.

Accordingly, there still exists a need for a tennis serve training device that maintains the tennis ball at the most appropriate height above the trainee's head, such that when the trainee swings the racquet, the tennis ball is repeatedly and consistently placed within the racquet's sweet-spot, without impeding the trainee's stroke. Further, there is a need for a tennis serve training device that provides the trainee with accurate feedback relating to the trainee's serve stroke, after contact with the tennis ball is made. Finally there is a need for a tennis training device that fosters the speedy and precise replication of a plurality of serves, for the purpose of developing correct muscle memory or motor learning for a better serve. A long term muscle memory for the proper execution of a tennis serve, eventually will allow it to be performed without conscious effort. This in turn will decrease the trainee's need for attention and will create maximum efficiency with the motor and memory systems necessary for the perfect tennis serve.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a tennis training device that maintains the tennis ball at the most appropriate height above the trainee's head, such that when the trainee swings the racquet, the tennis ball is repeatedly and consistently placed within the racquet's sweet-spot, without impeding the trainee's stroke.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tennis training device that provides the trainee with accurate feedback relating to the trainee's serve stroke, after contact with the tennis ball is made.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a tennis training device that fosters the speedy replication of a plurality of serves, for the purpose of developing muscle memory or motor learning, such that a long term muscle memory is created for the proper execution of a tennis serve, eventually allowing it to be performed without conscious effort.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a tennis training device, which will decrease the trainee's need for attention and will create maximum efficiency with the motor and memory systems necessary for the perfect tennis serve.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tennis training device, which reduces the deviation of the user's stroke associated with the retainer of the tennis ball and which prevents the retainer of the tennis ball from impeding the stroke.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a tennis training device that is lightweight, portable and capable of being transferred to various locations.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a tennis training device that maintains the tennis ball at the most appropriate height above the trainee's head, such that when the trainee swings the racquet, the tennis ball is repeatedly and consistently placed within the racquet's sweet-spot, without impeding the trainee's stroke.

It comprises a telescoping shaft optionally having a lower end secured into a base, and an upper end fixedly and perpendicularly connected to a first rigid arm transversely extending from the upper end of the telescoping shaft and having a free end. It further comprises a second, semi-rigid, flexible arm having a proximal and distal end. The proximal end of the second semi-rigid flexible arm is fixedly connected to the free end of the first rigid arm such that the second semi-rigid, flexible arm extends outwardly from the first rigid arm at a slope slightly angled toward the ground, to provide a visual perception or sense that the ball is traveling on its way down to the trainee. The distal end of the second, semi-rigid flexible arm is provided with mounting means, to which a tennis ball can be removably fixed, in such a manner that it can only be disengaged either manually or when it hits the sweet spot of the racquet.

These and other objects, advantages, features and characteristics of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, considered along with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the numerals represent identical elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of the inventive tennis training device

FIG. 2 is a side plan view of another embodiment of the inventive tennis serve training device

FIG. 3 is a partial side plan view of the tennis serve training device of both FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a first side plan view of the telescoping shaft of the tennis training device of FIG. 2 indicated by the encircled portion 4 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a second side plan view of the telescoping shaft of the tennis training device of FIG. 2 indicated by the encircled portion 4 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a first side plan view of the telescoping shaft of the tennis training device of FIG. 2 indicated by the encircled portion 4 in FIG. 2, but comprising a track or channel instead of apertures.

FIG. 7 is a second side plan view of the telescoping shaft of the tennis training device of FIG. 2 indicated by the encircled portion 4 in FIG. 2, but comprising a track or channel instead of apertures.

FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 with a handle on the telescoping shaft.

LIST OF ELEMENTS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE IDENTIFYING NUMERALS NO ELEMENT 10 Tennis training device 20 telescoping shaft 22 lower end of telescoping shaft 24 Upper end of telescoping shaft 26 Apertures/channel/track 28 Fastening means/pin/nut and bolt/bolt and wheel 29 handle 30 base 32 Means for rolling base 40 a horizontal rigid first arm 42 free end of the rigid first arm 50 second, semi-rigid, flexible side-arm 52 proximal end of second semi-rigid flexible arm 54 distal end of second semi-rigid flexible arm 60 Tennis ball attachment means

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring more specifically to FIGS. 1-3, they generally depict embodiments of the tennis training device in accordance with the present invention at 10. When set up for a training session, the tennis training device 10 maintains the tennis ball at the most appropriate height above the trainee's head and securely but releasably holds the tennis ball from its side at a point such that when the trainee swings the racquet, there is nothing to prevent the racquet from traveling up on, through and over the tennis ball, thereby repeatedly and consistently placing the tennis ball within the racquet's sweet-spot, without impeding the trainee's stroke.

The tennis training device 10 comprises a telescoping shaft 20, a first horizontal rigid arm 40, a second semi-rigid flexible side arm 50 and tennis ball attachment means 60. Optionally the tennis training device 10 may also comprise a base 30.

In one embodiment of the tennis training apparatus 10, the telescoping shaft 20 comprises a lower end 22 and an upper end 24. Further, the telescoping shaft 20 can comprise at least one outer tube, and one inner tube telescopically slidably engageable with the outer tube, about a longitudinal axis defined at a longitudinal center of said tubes. Such tubes are optionally provided with a plurality of equidistantly spaced apertures, or a channel or a track 26 formed along a linear path, traveling parallel to the longitudinal axis, defined at the longitudinal center of said tubes. In the case of apertures 26, their number and the respective distance between them may be altered for effectively allowing the tennis training device 10 to be adjusted to different heights.

The telescoping shaft 20 is further provided with a quick release pin 28 which is horizontally displaced through the tubes' apertures for fixedly adjusting the device to the desired height. In the case, where for the adjustment of the height the telescoping shaft 20 is provided for by a channel or a track 26, then the telescoping shaft 20, is further provided with a nut/or rotating wheel and threaded bolt combination 28, horizontally displaced through the tubes' track or channel 26. The tightening of the nut or wheel on the threaded bolt fixes the telescoping shaft 20 to the desired height.

Optionally the end of the bolt opposite its threaded end, or the end of the quick release pin opposite the quick release pin's head is provided with a handle 29 such that when the bolt or quick release pin is secured on the telescopic shaft 20 the handle can be used to tilt the tennis training device 10.

In another embodiment of the tennis training apparatus 10, the telescoping shaft 20 comprises at least one outer tube and one linear shaft arm telescopically engaged directly without the use of intervening elements within the outer tube of the telescoping shaft 20 so that the linear arm is slidably positional along a vertical path, registered parallel to the longitudinal length of the outer tube.

As was set forth above, the telescoping shaft 20 has a lower end 22 and an upper end 24. Optionally, the lower end 22 can be fixedly connected to a base 30 for the purpose of maintaining the telescoping shaft 20 in a vertical upward position. Optionally, the base 30 is not permanently secured to the ground, thereby rendering the tennis training device 10 mobile and transferable from from one location to another. In one preferred embodiment, the base 30 could be equipped with wheels 32 to permit for the easier transfer of the tennis training device 10 from location to location. The handle 29, discussed above, can be used to hold, pivot the tennis training device 10 on the wheels 32 of the base 30 and move it to any location desired.

In at least one embodiment of the tennis training device 10, the base is optionally less than 20 pounds, thereby rendering the tennis training device 10 lighter and easier to transfer from location to location. In fact the combination of the handle 29 with the pivoting of the tennis training device 10 on the wheels 32 allows for very ease transfer to the tennis training device 10 to whatever location desired. While the shape of the base 30 is not critical, it ideally should radially extend outwardly from the telescoping shaft 20 to provide greater stability for the tennis training device 10. Optionally the base 30 could be monolithically formed with the telescoping shaft 20 such that the telescopic shaft 20 and the base 30 can be, conveniently and effectively, readily transported as a single unit.

The upper end 24 of the telescoping shaft 20 is fixedly connected to a horizontal-rigid-first arm 40. Optionally, the horizontal-rigid-first arm 40 bi-directionally transversely extends from and is supported by the telescoping shaft 20 such that it has two outwardly radiating branches opposite to each other, and extending from the telescoping shaft at a 90 degree angle. One of the branches is shorter than the other. The longer branch of horizontal-rigid-first arm 40 has a length sufficient to prevent the user from accidentally hitting the telescoping shaft 20, at any point during training. In the preferred embodiment the longer branch is at least 24 inches long and the shorter branch is at least 5 inches long. The shorter branch is necessary to reduce any vibrations that hitting the tennis ball with the racquet might cause the longer branch of the horizontal-rigid-first arm 40, during training. The longer branch of the horizontal-rigid-first arm 40 has a free end 42 opposite the horizontal-rigid-first arm 40 point of attachment to and support by the telescoping shaft 20.

The tennis training device 10 further comprises a second semi-rigid, flexible relatively horizontal arm 50 having a proximal end 52 and a distal end 54. The proximal end 52 is fixedly attached to the free end 42 of the horizontal-rigid-first arm 40, such that the second semi-rigid, flexible relatively horizontal arm 50 extends beyond the free end 42, with a slightly downward slope. Because it is flexible and semi-rigid, it curves ever so slightly as well. In use, when the ball is attached to the second semi-rigid, flexible relatively horizontal arm 50, its slightly downward slope and very slight curve provides a visual perception or sense that the ball is traveling on its way down to the trainee.

In the preferred embodiment of the tennis training device 10, a small segment of the proximate end 52 of the second semi-rigid, flexible relatively horizontal arm 50 is inserted into the free end 42 of the horizontal-rigid-first arm 40 and secured therein with a locking mechanism such as a cap or nut and washer. To accommodate the small segment of proximate end 52, the horizontal-rigid-first arm 40 could be optionally provided either with a through bore running the entire length of the horizontal-rigid-first arm 40, i.e. tubular; or with a short partial bore located at the free end 42 and of sufficient length to accommodate the small segment of the proximate end 52. Inserting and securing within the bore of the small segment of the proximate end 52 of the second semi-rigid, flexible relatively horizontal arm 50, allows for the multiple use of the second semi-rigid, flexible relatively horizontal arm 50 without breaking or cracking, thereby prolonging its life.

Fixedly mounted on the distal end 54 of the second semi-rigid, flexible relatively horizontal arm 50 are means for attachment to the side of the tennis ball 60, such that the top of the tennis ball is free and clear to allow a tennis racquet when it comes in contact with the ball during training, to graze up and through and slightly curve over the ball, and allow the ball to leave the racquet, before the ball reaches the bottom edge of the sweet-spot area of the racquet. In one preferred embodiment of the tennis training device 10, the means for attachment to the side of the tennis ball 60 is a hook and loop material such as Velcro®. Unlike the prior art, because the distal end 54 attaches to the side of the tennis ball, the second semi-rigid, flexible relatively horizontal arm 50 does not encroach on the racquet trajectory as the racquet hits the ball, thereby not impeding the trainee's stroke. Further, the second semi-rigid, flexible relatively horizontal arm 50 flexes and bends away from the racquet when the ball is hit and snaps back to its original position after the ball is released for a follow up serve. Finally, because the telescoping shaft 20 can be set at any height, the tennis training device 10 can be adjusted at the most appropriate height above the trainee's head for optimal and repeated training.

In a preferred embodiment the the second semi-rigid, flexible relatively horizontal aim 50 must be of sufficient rigidity so as to be able to support the tennis ball aloft, while at the same time be of sufficient flexibility so as to bend away from racquet hitting the ball. Further the means of attachment to the tennis ball must be able to release the ball so that the ball can leave the tennis training device and sail over the net to provide feedback to the trainee.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the length of the second semi-rigid, flexible relatively horizontal arm 50 extending beyond the free end 42 is at least 12 inches long.

In a preferred method of use of the tennis training device 10, the base 30 is placed on the left side of a right handed user with the telescoping shaft 20 as far away from user's body as possible, such that the horizontal-rigid-first arm 40 enters the user's space, the user's racquet is opposite the shaft, and ball is free for direct access by the racquet without any obstacles to impede its serve trajectory. The reverse is applicable when the user is left handed.

There is no question that the inventive tennis training device 10 described herein above, accomplishes all of its objectives. To wit: a) it maintains the tennis ball top free and clear of any encumbrances, and at the most appropriate height above the trainee's head, such that when the trainee swings the racquet, the tennis ball is repeatedly and consistently placed within the racquet's sweet-spot, without impeding the trainee's stroke; b) it provides the trainee with accurate feedback relating to the trainee's serve stroke, after contact with the tennis ball is made; c) it fosters the speedy replication of a plurality of serves, for the purpose of developing muscle memory or motor learning, such that a long term muscle memory is created for the proper execution of a tennis serve, eventually allowing it to be performed without conscious effort; d) it decreases the trainee's need for attention and creates maximum efficiency with the motor and memory systems necessary for the perfect tennis serve; and e) it reduces the deviation of the user's stroke associated with the retainer of the tennis ball and prevents the retainer of the tennis ball from impeding the stroke.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail herein, they are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Since certain changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description, or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a literal sense. Practitioners of the art will realize that the sequence of steps and the embodiments depicted in the figures can be altered without departing from the scope of the present invention and that the illustrations contained herein are singular examples of a multitude of possible depictions of the present invention. 

Accordingly, I claim:
 1. A tennis player training device comprising: a shaft having an upper end; a first horizontal arm having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end fixedly attached to said upper end of said shaft, a second, semi-rigid, flexible side arm having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end fixedly attached to said distal end of said first horizontal arm such that said second semi-rigid, flexible side arm bendably extends beyond said distal end of said first horizontal arm, with a slightly downward slope; and means for releasably attaching to the side of a tennis ball provided on said distal end of said second, semi-rigid, flexible side arm, such that when said tennis ball is attached via said means to said second semi-rigid, flexible side arm, its slightly downward slope and slight curve provides a visual perception that said tennis ball is traveling on its way down to the trainee, while simultaneously being held in a manner which allows the trainee's racquet to travel up on, through and over the tennis ball, thereby repeatedly and consistently placing the tennis ball within the racquet's sweet-spot, without impeding the trainee's stroke.
 2. The tennis player training device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first horizontal arm is rigid.
 3. The tennis player training device in accordance with claim 2, wherein said first horizontal rigid arm bidirectionally transversely extends from and is supported by said shaft such that it has two outwardly radiating branches opposite to each other and extending from said shaft at a 90 degree angle with one branch being shorter than the other, the longer branch having a length sufficient to prevent the user from accidentally hitting said shaft, at any point during training, said shorter branch being necessary to reduce any vibrations that hitting the tennis ball with the racquet might cause to said longer branch of said horizontal-rigid-first arm during training.
 5. The tennis training device in accordance with claim 4 wherein the longer branch is at least 24 inches long and the shorter branch is at least 5 inches long.
 6. The tennis training device in accordance with claim 4, further comprising a locking mechanism by which a small segment of said proximate end of said second semi-rigid, flexible arm is inserted and secured into said distal end of said horizontal-rigid-first arm thereby providing for the multiple use of the second semi-rigid, flexible arm without breaking or cracking.
 7. The tennis player training device in accordance with claim 6, wherein said shaft is a telescoping shaft with a lower end.
 8. The tennis player training device in accordance with claim 7, further comprising a base fixedly connected to said lower end of said telescoping shaft thereby maintaining said telescoping shaft in a vertical, upward position.
 9. The tennis player training device in accordance with claim 8, wherein said base comprises wheels to permit for the easy transfer of said tennis training device from location to location. 